Classic Physique bodybuilder Terrence Ruffin is having an incredible 2025 pro season, securing back-to-back victories at the 2025 Pittsburgh Pro and the 2025 New York Pro in May.
The two-time Arnold Classic champion recently offered a glimpse into his contest prep via an interview with bodybuilding coach and IFBB Pro Gold’s Gym trainer Leo Mayrhofe.
Ruffin openly discussed the performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) he utilizes, detailing their dosages and timing in the lead-up to the 2025 Pittsburgh Pro.
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Fat Burners
Ruffin clarified that he has never used 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) during his bodybuilding career. When preparing for competitions, his fat-loss strategy is methodical and progressive, starting with over-the-counter fat burners early in his prep before incorporating Yohimbine HCL. A study published in Research in Sports Medicine highlights Yohimbine as an effective tool for fat loss in athletes. (1)
Ruffin incorporates clenbuterol, capping his usage at 100 milligrams. According to research in Drug Testing and Analysis, clenbuterol has been shown to increase energy expenditure and fat oxidation in young, healthy men. (2) However, clenbuterol is not FDA-approved for human use, as it carries significant risks, including serious cardiac side effects that could lead to hospitalization when used for weight loss or bodybuilding. (3)
Ruffin began his 2025 Pittsburgh Pro prep in January. Throughout that time, he followed the JTU program, stating it has been highly effective for his goals.
Gear Protocols
Ruffin’s competition preparation begins 20 weeks out, during which he incorporates testosterone, masteron, and primobolan into his cycle. He introduces trenbolone six to eight weeks before the competition for an additional edge. Research indicates that testosterone promotes muscle growth by stimulating the synthesis of muscle proteins. (4)
Ruffin takes 25 milligrams of Aromasin every three days and eventually switches to one milligram of Arimidex every other day. Both drugs function as aromatase inhibitors, increasing testosterone levels. However, using them for this purpose is classified as drug misuse and is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
Mayrhofer highlighted a practical advantage of using liquid aromatase inhibitors over traditional testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). The liquid form allows athletes to fine-tune their dosages more effectively, unlike anastrozole tablets, which are available only in one milligram doses. Bodybuilders often face challenges splitting these tablets or risk overdosing due to the lack of adjustable options.
Oral Gear
Ruffin takes 50 milligrams of Anavar starting six weeks before a contest. He continued using up to his shows in the past, but this time, he decided to stop a week prior.
Peptides
Ruffin is not a fan of peptides, yet he spent years using compounds like BPC, TB-500, GHRP-6, and CJC.
I haven’t used since Matt, one of my first coaches, passed.
—Terrence Ruffin
Ruffin has recently turned to BPC and TB-500 for healing, but doesn’t use anything else. GHRP-6 significantly boosts his appetite, but BPC doesn’t seem to have any noticeable effects.
BPC can promote muscle growth, accelerate recovery, and enhance exercise performance. (5) Research indicates that CJC supplements support fat burning, boost muscle definition, improve recovery, and contribute to better sleep quality. (6)
Ruffin’s Advice for Young Bodybuilders
Ruffin highlighted a concerning trend among young bodybuilders, noting the mental harm many inflict on themselves. Using certain drugs and supplements can negatively impact the developing brains of young individuals. Per Ruffin, prioritizing brain health and mental well-being is the core issue.
Many kids are ruining relationships because of the side effects of this stuff.
—Terrence Ruffin
Many young individuals lack the mental stability for healthy relationships or steady employment. Ruffin explained that they are still navigating crucial life decisions, and placing this additional burden on them can pressure their still-developing minds.
Not many guys who start young continue in the sport.
—Terrence Ruffin
References
- Ostojic S. M. (2006). Yohimbine: the effects on body composition and exercise performance in soccer players. Research in sports medicine (Print), 14(4), 289–299. https://doi.org/10.1080/15438620600987106
- Jessen, S., Solheim, S. A., Jacobson, G. A., Eibye, K., Bangsbo, J., Nordsborg, N. B., & Hostrup, M. (2020). Beta2 -adrenergic agonist clenbuterol increases energy expenditure and fat oxidation, and induces mTOR phosphorylation in skeletal muscle of young healthy men. Drug testing and analysis, 12(5), 610–618. https://doi.org/10.1002/dta.2755
- Spiller, H. A., James, K. J., Scholzen, S., & Borys, D. J. (2013). A descriptive study of adverse events from clenbuterol misuse and abuse for weight loss and bodybuilding. Substance abuse, 34(3), 306–312. https://doi.org/10.1080/08897077.2013.772083
- Griggs, R. C., Kingston, W., Jozefowicz, R. F., Herr, B. E., Forbes, G., & Halliday, D. (1989). Effect of testosterone on muscle mass and muscle protein synthesis. Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985), 66(1), 498–503. https://doi.org/10.1152/jappl.1989.66.1.498
- Chang, C. H., Tsai, W. C., Hsu, Y. H., & Pang, J. H. (2014). Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 enhances the growth hormone receptor expression in tendon fibroblasts. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 19(11), 19066–19077. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules191119066
- Van Hout, M. C., & Hearne, E. (2016). Netnography of Female Use of the Synthetic Growth Hormone CJC-1295: Pulses and Potions. Substance use & misuse, 51(1), 73–84. https://doi.org/10.3109/10826084.2015.1082595
Featured image: @ruff_diesel on Instagram
